Counselling for Addiction at Changes Rehab South Africa

Our trained counsellors tailor one-on-one sessions to address each patient's unique needs, focusing on managing addiction triggers and underlying causes.

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An Addictions Counsellor provides therapy and support for individuals struggling with addictions such as alcohol, drugs, gambling, and sex. Their responsibilities include meeting with clients to discuss their problems, asking questions to understand the issues better, designing personalised programmes, providing counselling, facilitating group sessions, liaising with medical professionals, and maintaining detailed records. Effective counsellors are caring, emotionally strong, calm under pressure, good communicators, and dedicated.

Individual counselling is a proven method for combating addiction and maintaining sobriety. Addiction is a complex disease influenced by various factors. The effects of addiction are often similar, but the reasons for substance abuse differ greatly among individuals. Consequently, no single treatment approach works for everyone as Addiction treatment needs to be tailored to the individual, often involving various therapies and sometimes medication. Effective recovery requires avoiding triggers and addressing co-occurring mental health issues. There is no fixed timeline for therapy, and it often takes several months or longer, with relapse seen as a normal part of the process. Success in recovery depends on the individual’s commitment, and support from close connections is crucial. Family involvement can be beneficial, but interventions should be approached cautiously to avoid backfiring.

At Changes Rehab Centre, our addiction counsellors are crucial to our patients’ recovery. They are trained to tailor their approach to each individual’s needs through one-on-one sessions. These daily sessions focus on identifying and managing the social and internal triggers of addictive behaviour.

Many clients find it challenging to open up in group settings but feel more comfortable and secure in private sessions. We emphasise the importance of patients feeling heard and understood on a personal level during individual counselling.

To become an Addictions Counsellor, various educational paths are available. One can pursue a degree in psychology, social work, medicine, counselling, nursing, or occupational therapy, each complemented by relevant workplace experience or internships in addiction counselling. For instance, a common path involves earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, completing honours, undertaking an internship, and passing the National Examination of the Professional Board of Psychology to become a registered counsellor.

Counsellors help recovering addicts address the root causes of their addiction and teach coping strategies for dealing with these underlying issues. Our counsellors use integrated approaches such as The Matrix Model and cognitive-behavioural theories to provide effective treatment. All addictions are linked to various psychological or behavioural irregularities, often stemming from low self-esteem, inner turmoil, and dysfunctional environments. Changes Rehab’s addiction counsellors help clients recognise and address these issues, offering tailored strategies for recovery. Our programme focuses on treating underlying traumas, which in turn alleviates addictive behaviours. Clients can maintain their daily routines and stay connected with family while receiving effective treatment. Our team, specialising in anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction, ensures comprehensive care.

Individual counselling at Changes Rehab has consistently proven to be effective in helping many addicts and alcoholics achieve and maintain sobriety. For confidential information, please contact us.

Gareth Carter

Gareth Carter

Director · Internationally Qualified Counsellor

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Kate Saxton

Kate Saxton

Group Practice Director · Counselling Psychologist

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Dr. Thea van der Merwe

Dr. Thea van der Merwe

Resident Psychiatrist

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Dr. Rajesh Bhoola

Dr. Rajesh Bhoola

Group Medical Practitioner

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Lolly Kikine

Lolly Kikine

Occupational Therapist

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Christianne Jones

Christianne Jones

Counselling Psychologist

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Skye Warrener

Skye Warrener

Addictions Counsellor

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Melissa Adendorff

Melissa Adendorff

Registered Counsellor

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Otsile Ramarumo

Otsile Ramarumo

Recovery Assistant

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Brian Muhumuza

Brian Muhumuza

Addictions Counsellor

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Ingrid Ter Horst

Ingrid Ter Horst

Recovery Assistant

Dominique Roussouw

Dominique Roussouw

Social Worker

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Bruce Hesom

Bruce Hesom

Intake Coordinator

JP Le Roux

JP Le Roux

Recovery Assistant

Tanya Figueiredo

Tanya Figueiredo

Office Manager

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Changes Addiction Rehab professional memberships and accreditations

Changes Addiction Rehab is licensed by the South African Department of Social Development (Practice No. 0470000537861) and the Department of Health, and is a registered detox facility and practice with the Board of Healthcare Funders. Our treatment programme is led by counsellors registered with the HPCSA, working alongside a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals under a unified practice. We are proud, standing members of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, the South African Council for Social Service Professions, the South African Medical Association, the South African Nursing Council and the South African Society of Psychiatrists. Changes Addiction Rehab has been in continuous professional operation since 2007, when it was founded by Sheryl Rahme, who has worked in the addiction treatment field since 1984. Our core clinical team brings over 100 years of combined professional addiction recovery experience.